Hold on tight, because this is a wild ride: While some might see a peacemaker in the Middle East, others see a storm brewing in the American Midwest, and late-night comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel are taking notice. They're not just cracking jokes; they're highlighting serious concerns about the Trump administration's actions both abroad and right here at home. Let's dive in.
Stephen Colbert, back from a well-deserved break, didn't mince words on "The Late Show." He painted a picture of a week so chaotic it felt like "everything's on fire!" Colbert rattled off a list of events that would make anyone's head spin: a government shutdown dragging on, mass firings of federal workers, the Justice Department seemingly targeting political opponents, threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, crippling tariffs on Chinese goods, and even a new Taylor Swift album (which, according to Colbert, the critics were unfairly harsh on, probably out of jealousy of her talent and Travis Kelce's...well, you get the joke!).
But here's where it gets controversial... Colbert did give credit where it was due, acknowledging Trump's role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza that led to the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. "Credit where credit is due: Donald Trump did something good. Are we still canceled?" he quipped, referencing the show's fictional cancellation by CBS after the merger with Skydance Media was approved by the Trump administration. This is a classic example of Colbert's comedic style, blending political commentary with self-deprecating humor.
And this is the part most people miss... Colbert quickly pivoted to a much darker topic: Trump's decision to send National Guard troops to Chicago to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is what really seemed to get under Colbert's skin, having lived in Chicago for over a decade. "Personally, I am horrified to see how he's stomping on my old stomping grounds of Chicago, Illinois," he declared.
Colbert didn't hold back in describing ICE's actions in Chicago, accusing them of "terrorizing communities in the Windy City, going door to door, in front of elementary schools, arresting immigrants illegal or otherwise. Arresting US citizens, without any due process! Teargassing journalists who are merely reporting on what they're doing." He even sarcastically added, "All of which I know sounds bad. But before you judge them, keep in mind: they also shot a pastor in the head with pepper balls," highlighting what he sees as the excessive and inappropriate use of force by ICE.
Moving over to the West Coast, Jimmy Kimmel on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" also addressed Trump's involvement in the Gaza ceasefire. "He finally did something positive today, and I want to give him credit for it, because I know he's not the type to take credit for himself," Kimmel joked, showcasing his signature blend of sarcasm and wit. Kimmel emphasized that the ceasefire was just the first step in a long and complex process, but acknowledged that Trump deserved some praise for it.
Kimmel then poked fun at Trump's disappointment at not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which was instead awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. "So now Trump is focused on winning the prize next year," Kimmel said. “Which is fine! Keep trying to make peace! I’m fine with coming up with prizes and trophies to motivate him. Give him the Nobel Reopen the Government and Leave Healthcare Alone prize.”
Kimmel also took aim at the White House's report on Trump's latest physical, quipping that his "blood pressure, cholesterol and genius are all stable. His doctors say he's in excellent health and fully capable of continuing to make sure that millions of his fellow Americans aren't.”
Perhaps the most pointed jab came when Kimmel addressed the revelation that Trump had received both the COVID and flu vaccines, despite his past rhetoric questioning their efficacy. "And if you're wondering if it's hypocritical for Trump, who has denigrated these vaccines, to get them while his health officials make them more difficult for the rest of us to get, the answer is yes, it is," Kimmel stated bluntly. "It's like if we found out that Nancy Reagan was smoking crack the whole time.”
So, what are we to make of all this? Is Trump a peacemaker or a warmonger? Is ICE protecting communities or terrorizing them? Is it justifiable to criticize someone for doing something positive, even if their past actions have been questionable? What do you think? Does acknowledging Trump's role in the ceasefire somehow excuse or overshadow his other policies? What are your thoughts on the use of federal troops in cities like Chicago? We'd love to hear your perspectives in the comments below. Let's start a conversation!
